EU approves 119 mln euros French nanotechnology aid

BRUSSELS, Sept 13

BRUSSELS, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The European Commission said
on Thursday it had approved 119 million euros ($165 million) of
French government aid to companies for research on
nanotechnology and energy efficiency.

The Commission, executive arm of the European Union, signed
off on 80 million euros for a programme known as NanoSmart and
39 million euros for an energy programme called Homes.

"The two programmes are in the strategic areas of
nanotechnology and energy efficiency. The Commission has
verified that the positive effects of the aid for consumers and
for European research outweigh any distortion of competition,"
Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a statement.

NanoSmart aims to improve the performance and electricity
consumption of microelectronic and optoelectronic components,
the Commission said.

Homes will enable energy savings of around 20 percent in
buildings through innovations including electricity distribution
systems, the Commission said.